April 14, 2026

The Kremlin has decided to ease the blocking of Telegram amid falling Putin ratings. Peskov claims Russians "understand the need" for blocking

Russian authorities have decided to ease the blocking of Telegram. This is reported by Forbes, citing a source familiar with the discussion. According to him, this could help ease tensions in society due to tax changes, rising prices, and communication problems. Earlier, Bloomberg, citing sources, wrote that the Kremlin might reconsider its position on internet blocking in Russia due to fears that these measures negatively affect Vladimir Putin's ratings. According to the publication, several high-ranking Russian officials recently warned the Kremlin about the political and economic risks associated with internet blocking. In their opinion, this reaction will help ease repression and stop the blocking of Telegram in Russia. Last week, the state analytical center VTsIOM reported that Putin's rating among Russians fell to 67.8%. This is the minimum value since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. As Bloomberg notes, this creates problems for the Kremlin on the eve of the Duma elections. In addition, this fact refutes the statements of the Russian authorities about the unity of citizens with Putin during the war against Ukraine, journalists emphasize. At the same time, Kremlin representative Dmitry Peskov stated today that most citizens "understand the expediency and necessity" of internet blocking in Russia. According to him, these measures will be canceled after "the need for their adoption disappears."